our TEAM

I have worked my whole career in social care, since aged 18 when I ran a club for children with disabilities and work in a social work team working with the elderly and people with terminal illnesses.  I moved to Norfolk 28 years ago and love living here.  Initially I worked in Day services in Norwich, then for adult education with students with learning disabilities.

Talking to my students it became obvious that most of these young people were very isolated, often not getting out in evenings and weekends, no transport available with many of the families not having transport.  They met their peers at education or day services but wanted more. To this end About with Friends was started, and the rest is history. Now 23 years on, we are so proud of what we have jointly achieved, our 160+ members are achieving hugely, enjoying their lives with lots of opportunities, families are enjoying some respite and we have developed a fab team of staff and volunteers who remain enthusiastic and committed to our membership.  A few years ago I was in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list getting awarded a BEM, British Empire Medal. I dedicated this to the organisation and we have made a huge joint achievement.

I joined the charity as Finance Manager in 2014 and have spent the last decade watching it grow and evolve into the vibrant and exciting place it is today. I am passionate about our members and the ethos of the charity in supporting them to be the best they can. Although my role is predominantly finance I also enjoy spending time helping our members in the catering kitchen whenever I can.

I am often accompanied by my dachshund Indi who has become the perfect office side kick and a well-loved member of the team.

I joined the charity in 2021 as Workskills Manager progressing into my current role within the Senior Management Team as Head of Workskills. After 12 years previously working alongside students at Sidestrand Hall School, I’ve gained over 15 years’ experience supporting individuals with LD and I’m passionate about providing our members the best service possible, in a positive, caring and safe working environment.

As Adult Safeguarding Lead and Well-being Champion I feel fortunate to work alongside an amazing staff team with the same core values and goals. It’s been exciting to see the growth we’ve experienced as a charity over the past few years and I am looking forward to what the future brings as we continue to develop the opportunities we provide to our valued members.

Having joined the organisation in June 2017 as member of the Bespoke Support Staff Team, my dedication and ambition for supporting young lives was soon recognised and I was fortunate to be promoted to Senior Support Worker. This gave me an opportunity to assist my management team in developing and promoting best practice across the service. Over the years, I have ensured the charities ethos and values are upheld at all times and through my own professional development, I progressed into the Bespoke management role, initially as Deputy.

Since taking over the reins, I have worked closely with our leadership team in delivering service expansion, with a key focus on Member Outcomes, Welfare and Achievements. 

I am very fortunate to work alongside such a passionate team who all share the same goals in aiding our members to achieve their full potential.   

I was initially introduced to About with Friends when I came here to volunteer in my late teens. After working as a qualified Mental Health Nurse and then Chef I decided to move into a Support Worker role here back in 2016. My combined passion for producing good food and supporting individuals made the perfect recipe for me to progress into the position of our Head of Catering and now Workskills Catering Manager. I am focused on providing a service that members thrive in and I am continually looking for ways to enhance their experiences and achievements. 

I am also very fortunate to have two fantastic little boys at home who always give me good steer and keep me on my toes!